Colorado's Lyon Receives 2011 Green Section Award

Dennis Lyon, the manager of golf for the city of Aurora, Colo., has been named the recipient of the United States Golf Association's 2011 Green Section Award. Lyon will receive his award February 11 at the USGA Green Section Education Conference in Orlando, Fla.

The USGA Green Section Award has been presented annually since 1961 to individuals who contribute significantly to the game of golf through their work with turfgrass. Since 1983, the USGA's Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program has funded more than 400 projects for better turf and a better environment at universities across the country.

"I am honored to receive this award, and very pleased that it helps bring recognition to the efforts of many people here in Colorado to improve the game we love," said Lyon. "Our state has been a leader in efforts to improve turf conditions and other environmental and management practices at municipal courses, and I believe this work has had national implications."

Lyon, 62, has spent nearly his entire professional career in the golf industry. A graduate of Colorado State University's horticulture program, he earned a master's degree in management from the University of Northern Colorado. In 1973, he was hired as superintendent of the Aurora Hills Golf Course and, in 1976, was promoted to manager of golf for the city of Aurora. He currently oversees seven city of Aurora courses, including Murphy Creek, site of the 2008 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.

Lyon is a past president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the organization's first president to represent a municipal facility. Lyon served on the USGA Public Golf Committee and is currently a member of the USGA Green Section Committee. He served as president of the Colorado Golf Association, the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association. He was elected to the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.

"Through his knowledge, activities and dedication to volunteer service, Dennis has set a very high standard for golf industry professionals," said Jim Snow, national director of the USGA Green Section. "In particular, his influence on municipal course management practices extends well beyond the borders of his home state."